World

Things you may not know about Hamas, Palestinian militant group

Published

7 months ago

2023/10/10

Hamas has recently dominated news headlines following its attacks on Israeli communities near Gaza.

Gaza, also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of 590,481, making it the largest city in the State of Palestine.

The Palestinian militant group, Hamas has launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, with its fighters entering communities near the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of residents and taking dozens of hostages.

Some of the Hamas fighters targeted civilian communities, while others targeted military outposts.

What is Hamas?

Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist, militant, and nationalist organization.

It is the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), led by Fatah, rules the West Bank.

Hamas has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

Is Hamas a terrorist group?

It is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, Canada, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

Hamas was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.

It is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist organization. Hamas’s ideology is based on Islamism, Palestinian nationalism, and anti-Zionism.

It seeks to establish an Islamic state in all of historical Palestine, which includes present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has used a variety of tactics to achieve its goals, including violence, diplomacy, and social services.

It has carried out suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces.

Hamas has also participated in elections and negotiations with Israel. In 2006, Hamas won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council.

However, Israel and the international community refused to recognize the Hamas-led government, and the United States and Europe imposed sanctions on the Gaza Strip.

Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after defeating Fatah in a brief civil war.

Since then, Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip with an iron fist. It has cracked down on dissent and implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Hamas has also built up its military capabilities, and it has engaged in several wars with Israel.

Hamas is a complex and controversial organization. It is both a political party and a militant group.

It is supported by many Palestinians, but it is also condemned by many human rights groups for its use of violence and its repressive rule in the Gaza Strip.

Quick facts about Hamas

Hamas is a hierarchical organization with a military wing, a political wing, and a social service wing.
Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is one of the most powerful Palestinian militant groups.
Hamas has a strong social service network, which provides education, healthcare, and other services to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is funded by a variety of sources, including Iran, Qatar, and individual donors.
Hamas has a complex relationship with other Palestinian factions, including Fatah.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, and several other countries.